Education. Advocacy. Support.

December 8: PTSD & Addiction

Clinical psychologist Gus Diggs will discuss the hand-in-hand relationship of PTSD and addiction at NAMI Western Carolina's next education forum, Thursday, December 8. Specializing in the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder and addiction, Diggs will address topics that include new interventions in that treatment as well as how to strengthen addiction treatment services available for individuals with mental illness.

Presently serving on the NAMI Western Carolina board of directors, Diggs is also working to help increase the availability of educational programming offered to local families. Free to all, the presentation begins at 6 p.m. in NAMI-WC offices, upper level 356 Biltmore Ave., Asheville, NC.

Shop Ten Thousand Villages and support NAMI-WC

This holiday season, shop Ten Thousand Villages for handmade gift items from artisans around the world and make a difference with your holiday shopping dollars. From Monday, November 28 through Friday, December 9, mention NAMI Western Carolina at the checkout counter and 15% of your purchase will be donated to us. Donations apply to in-store purchases only. Ten Thousand Villages is located at 10 College Street, Asheville. More information on the store and its mission is available online at asheville.tenthousandvillages.com.

Bridges of Hope

Creating stronger connections and safety nets for people living with serious mental illness in and through faith communities. A team of two trained speakers conducts the 60-90 minute program that informs church congregations about serious mental illness and how to help individuals with a mental illness and their families. For more information, contact Paulette Heck, pheck812@gmail.com

NAMI Western Carolina's In Our Own Voice speakers will talk to your class, organization or faith community about important things you need to know about mental illness. They will talk to you about their recovery and the important components of recovery such as dark days, acceptance, treatment, coping skills, successes, hopes, and dreams. Contact: Paulette Heck; 828-581-0080, pheck812@gmail.com.